Black Hawk helicopters return to the sky

Army’s Black Hawk helicopters have returned to full-flying operations following the lifting of the recent suspension to non-essential tasking.

The suspension to non-essential tasking was put in place on 24 April following the precautionary landing of an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter in Papua New Guinea.

The suspension was lifted on Monday 30 April 2012 by Army’s Operational Airworthiness Authority following technical advice from Defence aviation authorities.

The Defence aviation authorities determined that the cause of the engine fault was isolated to this incident.

The Australian Army operates 34 Black Hawk aircraft. Of that fleet, three are deployed to Timor Leste, and the remaining aircraft are based in Holsworthy NSW and Townsville QLD.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999